LOFTNESS 48M Owner's manual

N14819 June, 2013

PTO Flail Mower

48M 60M 72M 90M

Operator’s Manual & Parts Book

(Originating w/Serial Number 04-207)

Model Number: _________________

Serial Number: __________________

Date of Purchase: ________________

Specialized

Equipment, Inc.

650 So. Main Street - PO Box 337 - Hector, MN 55342

Business Phone: 320-848-6266 * Fax: 320-848-6269 * Toll Free: 1-800-828-7624

LOFTNESS SPECIALIZED EQUIPMENT, INC.

WARRANTY POLICY

The warranty policy begins upon delivery of the unit to the original customer.

All Loftness products have a one (1) year warranty policy.

If any Loftness product is used as a rental unit, the warranty period extends for only 30 days from the delivery date to the

original customer.

Loftness Specialized Equipment, hereinafter referred to as LOFTNESS, a manufacturer of quality machinery since 1956, warrants new

LOFTNESS machinery and/or attachments at the time of delivery to the original purchaser, to be free from defects in material and

workmanship when properly set up and operated in accordance with the recommendations set forth in the LOFTNESS Operator’s

Manual.

LOFTNESS’ liability for any defect with respect to accepted goods shall be limited to repairing the goods at an authorized dealer or

other LOFTNESS designated location, or replacing them as LOFTNESS shall elect. The above shall be in accordance with

LOFTNESS warranty adjustment policies. This warranty shall not apply to any machine or attachment which shall have been repaired

or altered outside the LOFTNESS factory or authorized LOFTNESS dealership or in any way so as in LOFTNESS’ judgment, to

affect its stability or reliability, nor which has been subject to misuse, negligence or accident, nor to any machine or attachment which

shall not have been operated in accordance with LOFTNESS’ printed instructions or beyond the company recommended machine

rated capacity.

WARRANTY REQUIREMENTS

Warranty registration form must be filled out and returned to Loftness Specialized Equipment to validate all future warranty

claims.

LIMITATIONS OF WARRANTY

All Products – LOFTNESS products are designed to provide years of dependable service when proper use and maintenance is adhered

to. The potential for misuse in many applications exists, therefore a limited warranty is provided as follows:

All Shredders, Axes, Cutters & Mowers – Rotor Balance: Critical rotor balance can be affected by conditions beyond LOFTNESS’

control, such as the operation of a shredder beyond the Company’s rated capacity, improper knife replacement, missing knives, striking

foreign objects, lack of lubrication, etc. Any failure resulting from running in as “out-of-balance” condition, such as, but not limited to

bearing and or drive-line failure, metal fatigue, cracks, etc. will be considered abuse and will not be covered under warranty.

LOFTNESS may elect to have an area representative evaluate the condition of the machine before warranty is considered.

To receive a warranty claim, a return authorization from LOFTNESS must be obtained. The failed part may then be returned in an

untampered status. This warranty does not include freight or delivery charges incurred when returning machinery for servicing. Dealer

mileage, service calls and pick-up/delivery charges are the customer’s responsibility.

EXCLUSIONS OF WARRANTY

Except as otherwise expressly stated herein, LOFTNESS makes no representation or warranty of any kind, expressed or implied, and

makes no warranty of merchantability in respect to its machinery and/or attachments and makes no warranty that its machinery

and/or attachments are fit for any particular purpose. LOFTNESS shall not be liable for incidental or consequential damages for any

breach of warranty, including but not limited to inconvenience, rental or replacement equipment, loss of profits or other commercial

loss. Upon purchase the buyer assumes all liability, all personal injury and property damage resulting from the handling, possession or

use of the goods by the buyer.

April 2009

No agent, employee, or representative of LOFTNESS has any authority to bind LOFTNESS to any affirmation, representation or

warranty concerning its machinery and/or attachments except as specifically set forth herein.

650 South Main Street

Hector, MN 55342 USA

loftness.com 320-848-6266

US & Canada 800-828-7624 TM

International: 320-848-6266 Fax: 320-848-6269 Parts Fax: 320-848-6055 E-mail: [email protected] Web Address: www.loftness.com

WARRANTY REGISTRATION

Dealer No.:

Dealer Name:

Shipping Address:

Mailing Address:

City: State: Zip:

City:

County:

Phone: Month Day Year

Warranty (Delivered) Date

State: Zip:

Invoice No.:

Model No.: Serial No.:

Part No.:

Dealer Phone:

FOLLOWING INFORMATION MUST BE FILLED IN COMPLETELY FOR WARRANTY:

DEALER PURCHASER

Customer:

Last Name:

The machine was properly set up, adjusted and inspected

before delivery. The following items were explained to the

purchaser.

* How to operate machine properly as shown in the owner’s

manual.

* The importance of safety precaution, safety equipment

and preventative maintenance.

* Loftness Warranty for this machine.

I have received and reviewed the operator’s manual for the

above machine and understand the proper and safe operation

as well as the applicable warranty outlined therein.

A customer’s manual is included with each machine.

The unit was delivered to me in satisfactory condition.

First

Mailing Address:

Middle Initial

Dealer’s Signature

Date

x

Purchaser’s Signature

Date

x

Customer Copy

650 South Main Street

Hector, MN 55342 USA

loftness.com 320-848-6266

US & Canada 800-828-7624 TM

International: 320-848-6266 Fax: 320-848-6269 Parts Fax: 320-848-6055 E-mail: [email protected] Web Address: www.loftness.com

WARRANTY REGISTRATION

Dealer No.:

Dealer Name:

Shipping Address:

Mailing Address:

City: State: Zip:

City:

County:

Phone: Month Day Year

Warranty (Delivered) Date

State: Zip:

Invoice No.:

Model No.: Serial No.:

Part No.:

Dealer Phone:

FOLLOWING INFORMATION MUST BE FILLED IN COMPLETELY FOR WARRANTY:

DEALER PURCHASER

Customer:

Last Name:

The machine was properly set up, adjusted and inspected

before delivery. The following items were explained to the

purchaser.

* How to operate machine properly as shown in the owner’s

manual.

* The importance of safety precaution, safety equipment

and preventative maintenance.

* Loftness Warranty for this machine.

I have received and reviewed the operator’s manual for the

above machine and understand the proper and safe operation

as well as the applicable warranty outlined therein.

A customer’s manual is included with each machine.

The unit was delivered to me in satisfactory condition.

First

Mailing Address:

Middle Initial

Dealer’s Signature

Date

x

Purchaser’s Signature

Date

x

Loftness Copy

N14819 May, 2011

Owner’s Manual (PTO Flail Mower)

PTO Flail Mower

Table of Contents

Section 1 - Safety Page

Safety Instructions ............................................................................................................................................................. 1-1

Safety Instructions for Operation.................................................................................................................................... 1-2

Section 2 - Operating

Operating Instructions ...................................................................................................................................................... 2-1

Set-up ................................................................................................................................................................................... 2-1

Section 3 – Maintenance

Lubrication .......................................................................................................................................................................... 3-1

General Service ................................................................................................................................................................. 3-1

Trouble Shooting ............................................................................................................................................................... 3-4

Storage ................................................................................................................................................................................. 3-5

Torque Chart ...................................................................................................................................................................... 3-6

Section 4 – Service Parts

Ordering Service Parts ...................................................................................................................................................... 4-1

Return Policy ..................................................................................................................................................................... 4-1

Decal List ............................................................................................................................................................................ 4-2

Decal Locations .................................................................................................................................................................. 4-3

Parts Lists and Drawings .................................................................................................................................................. 4-4

Specialized

Equipment, Inc.

650 So. Main St. - PO Box 337 - Hector, MN 55342

Business Phone: 320-848-6266 * Fax: 320-848-6269 * Toll Free: 1-800-828-7624

Dear Customer:

Thank you for your decision to purchase a PTO Flail Mower from Loftness Specialized Equipment, Inc. It has

been designed to provide years of profitable and dependable service. To ensure maximum performance of your

mower, it is mandatory that you thoroughly study the owner’s manual and follow its recommendations. Proper

operation and maintenance are essential to maintain and maximize the life of the machine and to prevent damage

or injury.

It is the owner’s responsibility to:

*Operate and maintain this mower in a safe manner and in accordance with all

applicable local, state, and federal codes, regulations and/or laws, and in

compliance with on-product labeling and these instructions.

*Make sure that all personnel have read this owner’s manual and thoroughly

understand safe and correct operating, installation, and maintenance procedures.

*Provide impact-resistant shielding on the power unit to protect the operator from

the possible dangers of flying debris.

*Make sure the mower is set-up correctly before being placed in service. It should

be serviced at regular intervals thereafter, in accordance with procedures outlined in

this manual.

*Fulfill all warranty obligations so as not to void the warranties. The warranty

section at the beginning of this manual outlines the warranty policy of Loftness

Specialized Equipment, Inc.

Loftness Specialized Equipment, Inc. reserves the right to make product improvements to the equipment at any

time.

We welcome you to the satisfied family of Loftness equipment owners.

Gloria Nelson, President

Steve Nelson, Vice-President

Dave Nelson, Vice-President

May, 2011

Section

1

Safety

WARNING

Because of the potential safety hazard to eyes from

hydraulic leaks and/or flying debris, “USE OF

PROTECTIVE EYEWEAR IS ABSOLUTELY

MANDATORY” for operator and others in the work

area.

Due to the possible danger of flying debris, it is

“ABSOLUTELY MANDATORY that IMPACT-

RESISTANT SHIELDING” be provided on the

power unit to protect the operator. The owner is

responsible for providing the operator protection

devices on the power unit.

Owner’s Manual (PTO Flail Mower)

N14819 1 - January, 2004

1

Safety Instructions

Safety First

Accidents can be prevented by recognizing the

causes or hazards before an accident occurs, and

doing something about them. Read this manual

carefully and become familiar with the controls and

proper use

of the machine. Know how to stop the unit by

disengagement of the controls. Be sure the operator

knows how to exercise the mandatory shut-down

procedure.

Regardless of the care used in the design and

construction of this equipment, there are some areas

that cannot be safeguarded without interfering with

accessibility and efficient operation.

TAKE NOTE! THIS SAFETY ALERT

SYMBOL FOUND THROUGHOUT THIS

MANUAL IS USED TO CALL YOUR

ATTENTION TO INSTRUCTIONS

INVOLVING YOUR PERSONAL SAFETY

AND THE SAFETY OF OTHERS. FAILURE

TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS CAN

RESULT IN INJURY OR DEATH.

THIS SYMBOL MEANS

*ATTENTION

*BECOME ALERT

*YOUR SAFETY IS INVOLVED

These safety alert symbols shown, are intended to

identify and provide information that must be

heeded for proper safe operation of the equipment

and to prevent damage or deterioration of the

equipment. In this manual and on labels used on

this flail mower the words “Danger”, “Warning”,

and “Caution” are used to indicate the following:

DANGER: (white lettering on red

background) Indicates am imminently hazardous

situation that, if not avoided, will result in death or

serious injury. This signal word is to be limited to

the most extreme situations typically for machine

components which, for functional purposes,

cannot be guarded.

WARNING: (black lettering on orange

background) Indicates a potentially hazardous

situation that, if not avoided, could result in death

or serious injury, and includes hazards that are

exposed when guards are removed. It may also be

used to alert against unsafe practices.

CAUTION: (black lettering on yellow

background) Indicates a potentially hazardous

situation that, if not avoided, may result in minor

or moderate injury. It may also be used to alert

against unsafe

The following safety information is a general

overview of precautions that should be adhered to:

1. Read this manual carefully. Become

thoroughly familiar with the controls

and proper use of the machine. Insure

that all operators know how to stop the

unit by disengagement of the controls

using the “Mandatory Shut-Down

Procedure” (page 1-2 Section 1).

2. Remember, it is the owner’s

responsibility for communicating all

information on the safe use and proper

maintenance of this machine.

3. Never allow children to operate

equipment. Allow adults to operate the

equipment only after receiving the

proper instructions. Keep the area of

operation clear of all unauthorized

persons.

Owner’s Manual (PTO Flail Mower)

N14819 1 - January, 2004

2

Safety Instructions Continued

Safety First Continued:

4. Remove from area of operation all

foreign objects such as sticks, wire,

rocks, etc., that might become tangled in

the rotor, causing damage to the mower

or thrown from the mower striking

other objects.

5. Never attempt to make any adjustments

while the engine is running or the key is

in the “ON” position of the skid-steer

loader. Before leaving the operator’s

position, disengage power to the mower

and remove ignition key.

6. Disengage PTO and place tractor

controls in neutral or park before

starting engine.

Safety Instructions for Operation and

Maintenance

The following safety warnings are used here and on

the flail mower. Become familiar with them before

operating this machine.

Mandatory Shut-Down Procedure:

• Move throttle to idle position.

• Disengage all power to the mower.

• Shut off engine and remove the key.

• Wait until the rotor has stopped completely

before inspecting the unit.

CAUTION:

• Do not start, operate or work on this machine

until you have carefully read and thoroughly

understand the contents of this manual, the

ADMA Agricultural Implement Driveline

manual, and the EMI Industrial/Agricultural

Mowers manual provided.

• Failure to follow safety, operating, and

maintenance instructions could result in death or

serious injury to the operator or bystanders,

poor operation, or costly breakdown.

• Become familiar with and know how to use all

safety devices and controls on the mower before

attempting to operate the unit. Know how to

stop the unit before starting it.

• Never use a steel hammer when connecting or

disconnecting a PTO shaft.

• Repeated impact of the knives with hard objects

can cause excessive wear and damage to the

tractor or mower. Be sure to maintain

recommended ground clearance as specified in

this manual.

• Should excessive vibration occur, disengage the

PTO immediately and shut off tractor. Do not

continue to operate the machine until the

problem has been determined and corrected.

• Be sure the rotor has stopped completely before

checking the knives.

• Keep children, spectators and other workers off

and away from the machine while it is operating

or engine is running. Do not carry passengers.

• Before inspecting, cleaning, lubricating,

adjusting or servicing any part of the flail

mower, always exercise the “Mandatory Shut-

Down Procedure” (page 1-2 Section 1). After

service has been performed, be sure to restore

all guards, shields and covers to their original

position.

• Read and observe all warnings decals on the

machine before attempting to operate the flail

mower. Do not attempt to operate this machine

Owner’s Manual (PTO Flail Mower)

N14819 1 - January, 2004

3

Safety Instructions for Operation and

Maintenance Continued:

unless all factory devices and decals are in place.

Keep safety decals clean of dirt and grime. Keep

all guards, shields and decals in place.

• The operator must not use drugs or alcoholic

drinks which would impair his alertness or

coordination while working. An operator who is

taking prescription drugs must get medical

advice to determine if he can safely operate a

machine.

• Stay alert for hidden hazards or traffic.

• Before using a flail mower on a new job site,

check the rules and regulations at the location.

The rules may include an employer’s work safety

requirements.

• Never operate the flail mower without good

light and visibility.

• Make sure all controls, (levers, pedals and

switches), are in NEUTRAL position before

starting the tractor engine.

WARNING:

• Keep all guards, shields and decals in place.

• Check to make sure the PTO outer guards turn

freely before operating the machine.

• Engage the PTO slowly at idle speed to prevent

unnecessary stress to driveline.

• Be extremely careful not to bottom out or

extend the PTO shaft too far, damage to tractor

or mower could occur. Be careful to avoid lifting

mower to high which results in excessive PTO

shaft wear when machine is operating during a

turning maneuver. DO NOT USE PTO

ADAPTERS OF ANY KIND.

• Do not operate the mower without the universal

joints locked to the tractor and gearbox shafts.

• Operating the mower at less than rated RPM

will reduce rotor speed and cause improper

cutting. Difficult conditions, reduce tractor

speed by down-shifting gears while maintaining

rated engine RPM. Severe working conditions

may require a delay until they improve.

• Do not operate the mower above the rated

RPM.

• Always repair or replace any front flipper shields

that are damaged or missing.

• Keep hands, feet and clothing away from

moving components.

• Do not wear loose or baggy clothing around

rotating machinery. Machine must be clear of

people, tools, and other objects before engaging

the PTO.

• Because of the potential safety hazard to eyes

from flying debris, USE OF PROTECTIVE

EYEWEAR IS ABSOLUTELY

MANDATORY for operator and others in the

work area.

• Use the handholds and step plates when getting

on and off the tractor to prevent falls. Keep

steps and platform cleared of mud and debris.

• Never operate the flail-mower in a lifted

position. Work only on the surface that the

tractor is standing on.

DANGER:

• Rotating driveline can cause personal injury or

death by entanglement. Do not leave the

operator’s position for ANY reason or allow

anyone near the flail mower while the PTO is

engaged and tractor is running. Always exercise

the “Mandatory Shut-Down Procedure”

(page 2 Section 1).

Owner’s Manual (PTO Flail Mower)

N14819 1 - January, 2004

4

OPERATION SAFETY:

Because this machine will be operated in a

potentially hazardous environment, it is

ABSOLUTELY MANDATORY that you read

and follow these safety precautions.

CAUTION:

• Stay alert for hidden hazards or traffic. Do not

carry passengers.

• Never operate the mower without good light or

visibility.

• Engage the throttle slowly at idle speed to

prevent unnecessary stress to driveline.

• After striking a foreign object, be sure to

exercise “Mandatory Shut-Down Procedure”

(page 1-2 Section 1). Thoroughly inspect

mower for any damage before restarting and

operating the mower.

• Repeated impact of knives with ground or hard

objects can cause excessive wear and damage to

the tractor or mower. Be sure to maintain

recommended ground clearance as specified in

this manual.

• Should excessive vibration occur, disengage

PTO immediately. Do not continue operation

of mower until the problem has been

detected and corrected. Be sure to exercise the

“Mandatory Shut-Down Procedure” (page 1-

2 Section 1).

• Disengage power to mower when transporting

or not in use.

• When transporting the mower on the road at

day or night, provide adequate warning to the

operators of other vehicles.

• Never park on a steep incline.

• Do not leave equipment in raised position.

• DO NOT allow ANY people or animals within

1000 feet of the work area while operating this

machine.

• THOROUGHLY clear the work area of ALL

foreign objects such as bottles, rocks, wire, etc.

before starting shredder.

• ALWAYS operate shredder level with the

ground (front to rear).

WARNING:

• Never operate the mower without guards,

shields, plates or other safety precaution devices

in place. Shields are for your protection, please

keep all shields in place.

• Always cut in an up and down direction on

slopes. To avoid loss of control and to prevent

overturn, never cut across the slope.

• Reduce speed when turning.

• Do not operate on extremely steep slopes.

• Before servicing or adjusting the mower, or

removing material from it, be sure to exercise

the “Mandatory Shut-Down Procedure”

(page 1-2 Section 1).

• Be sure the rotor has stopped completely before

checking knives.

• Be especially careful not to touch attachment

parts which might be hot from operation.

Allow such parts to cool before attempting to

maintain, adjust, or service.

Owner’s Manual (PTO Flail Mower)

N14819 1 - January, 2004

5

OPERATION SAFETY CONTINUED:

DANGER:

• Never get off tractor while it is in motion!

• Rotating driveline! Personal injury or death can

result from entanglement!

• Keep hands and feet out! Do not step on or

climb over the unit while machine is in

operation, or engine is running.

Section

2

Operating

WARNING

Because of the potential safety hazard to eyes from

hydraulic leaks and/or flying debris, “USE OF

PROTECTIVE EYEWEAR IS ABSOLUTELY

MANDATORY” for operator and others in the work

area.

Due to the possible danger of flying debris, it is

“ABSOLUTELY MANDATORY that IMPACT-

RESISTANT SHIELDING” be provided on the

power unit to protect the operator. The owner is

responsible for providing the operator protection

devices on the power unit.

Owner’s Manual (PTO Flail Mower)

N14819 2 - January, 2004

1

Operating and Set-up Instructions

The Loftness Flail Mower is an effective, reliable

machine used for maintaining grass and controlling

weeds. For best results, operate the machine as low to

the ground as possible without the blades striking

ground or other obstructions. Because of the high

speed of the blades, the life of the blade will be

reduced if it is operated in rocky terrain or in areas

where many obstructions are present. Areas to be

mowed should be free of debris such as rocks,

bottles, large branches etc. The blades cut and

pulverize the grass and weeds, making the mower

suitable for mulching of lawns and golf courses. The

mower deposits cut material over the entire width of

cut, which eliminates bunching or windrowing behind

the machine.

The adjustable steel rollers is positioned near the

point of cut, which allows self-adjusting for surface

irregularities in time to prevent scalping. It runs the

full width of cut and is used to determine the height

of cut (see page 3-1 of Section 3).

The mower rotor is equipped with four rows of

pivoting cutting knives. If an obstruction is

encountered, the knives will fold or pivot to absorb

shock, thereby reducing impact damage to mower.

The rotor and knives turn in reverse rotation

(opposite of tractor wheels forward operating

direction).

Attachment:

Category I Hitch Centered

Top three-point & lower mount arms in centered

position.

Category I Hitch Offset

Top three-point & lower mount arms in offset

position.

Category II Hitch Centered

Top three-point & lower mount arms in centered

position.

Category II Hitch Offset

Top three- point & lower mount arms in offset

position.

Refer to the above diagrams for your particular

hitch appplication.

Important: In the above diagrams, take notice of

the mounting position of the lower mount arms.

Category I arms are attached to outside of mower

hitch plates, Category II are attached to inside. The

3/4” x 2-1/4” mounting bolts are inserted through

mower hitch mount plates first, with nut and lock

washer securing the lower mount arm.

Owner’s Manual (PTO Flail Mower)

N14819 2 - January, 2004

2

Operating and Set-up Instructions Continued

The Loftness Flail Mower can be attached to any

tractor, up to 70 HP, that has a standard A.S.A.E.

three-point hitch and operates at the standard 540

RPM-PTO. speed under normal conditions.

Warning: Operating the mower in excess of the

recommended operating speed can cause premature

wear or damage to the machine and could result in

personal injury.

The mower comes equipped with Category I pins.

Category II pins and bushings should be available

from your dealer. (The use of a Quick Hitch will also

require Category II pins and bushings, and will

increase the driveshaft operating length. Refer to

driveshaft sizing procedure on page 3-2 Section 3).

1) Attach the tractor lift arms to the category

hitch pins of the mower lower mount

arms and secure with lynch-pins.

1) Attach tractor top link to hole in mower

top three-point mount.

2) Connect and adjust stabilizer bars or

chains to prevent side sway.

Important: Due to increased weight of three-point

mounted mower, a weight ballast must be applied to

the front of the tractor. Fluid in tires, wheel weights,

front tractor weight, or any combination of these

methods is suitable. The tractor front end weight

should be at least 20% of total tractor weight with

implement raised.

Attach the driveshaft to the mower by depressing

push button on yoke, sliding yoke onto gearbox shaft,

and releasing push button. Slide driveshaft until yoke

locks onto gearbox shaft. The tractor end of the

driveshaft fits A.S.A.E. standard 1-3/8” dia. 540 RPM

tractor PTO shafts. Rotate the collar clockwise to

install or remove the driveshaft. (See page 3-11

Section 3).

Driveshaft Sizing Procedure

Due to the variation of many different

tractor/implement hitch points, the driveshaft must

be sized for your particular application. The

procedure for shortening the driveshaft is included in

the following steps, 9 through 13

1) Attach mower to tractor lift arms in

centered position.

2) Adjust tractor top link until mower

gearbox input shaft is parallel with tractor

input shaft.

3) Raise mower until the gearbox input shaft

is level with the tractor PTO shaft. Block

machine securely.

4) Attach rear driveshaft half onto mower

gearbox.

5) Position tractor end of driveshaft against

rear of tractor PTO shaft.(Do not attach

onto PTO. This will allow space for

removal/installation of driveshaft).

6) Hold driveshaft halves parallel to each

other. Measure 1/2” back from universal

joint bell shield and mark on opposite

half. Do this on both halves.

7) Raise and lower the machine to determine

the position which has the greatest

distance between gearbox input shaft

and PTO shaft. Block machine securely.

8) Hold attached driveshaft halves parallel

to each other and measure the distance

between the two marks (applied in step 6).

This measurement will indicate the

overlap of the two halves. There must be

a minimum of 5” overlap or the driveshaft

cannot be used.

9) Clamp driveshaft in padded vise to

prevent damage to shield. Cut off the

shield where marked (step 6).

10) Using the cut off section of shield as a

guide, cut off the same amount of the

shaft.

11) Repeat steps 9 & 10 to the other

driveshaft half.

12) Deburr cut ends of driveshaft sections

and remove all chips and filings.

13) Apply grease to male driveshaft half

Assemble driveshaft and install on tractor

and mower, making sure the yokes lock

into place. Make certain driveshaft

shielding is in place.

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